Stupid tight bathroom faucet

tranquility · 10-05-2023, 03:43 PM

I'm trying to diy this lousy faucet that is stuck (well, tight, as if the rubber isn't moving smoothly inside the cartridge). I tried taking off the top but the ring marked in red is stuck or is one piece w the stem...so how the heck can I fit a wrench in there to loosen the nut and take out the cartridge? There must be something I'm missing. I tried to follow this YT diy video but I'm stuck (no pun intended lol).

Please help. Tia.

3.0L · 10-05-2023, 04:44 PM

Socket wrench?

iminhell1 · 10-05-2023, 05:16 PM

Open the valve and try again. There can be a little suction and it can make them stubborn.
If you're replacing it, don't be afraid to get a little rough with it.

That beauty ring at the top, use an old rubber jar opener and a pipe wrench. It'll come off without marring it.

Marmugmotleocay · 10-05-2023, 05:19 PM

I tried to replace a Moen cartridge with no luck with the plastic nut. You would think it would be simple. I wound up destroying it and just buying another faucet.

3.0L · 10-05-2023, 05:37 PM

It appears that there is a nut surrounding the green area, so maybe the correct size socket wrench would help. It should fit inside the ring.

R BMW · 10-05-2023, 05:57 PM

Some times you just have to bite the bullet and replace it all. It's a shame as it has replaceable parts, just can't get them apart to replace them.

Maynard · 10-05-2023, 05:58 PM

Many of these use a specialized tool to fit inside and turn threaded parts, or something kind of like a bearing puller that screws into the threaded hole in center of the square stem. If you know the brand, find more (or better) videos.

ToddBlack88 · 10-05-2023, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Open the valve and try again. There can be a little suction and it can make them stubborn.
If you're replacing it, don't be afraid to get a little rough with it.

That beauty ring at the top, use an old rubber jar opener and a pipe wrench. It'll come off without marring it.

This.

You need to pull the chrome finishing ring off first. It’s threaded usually. Use a non marring strap wrench or wrap a rag around it and use a pipe wrench.

Thread it off. Then undo the brass nut that holds the cartridge in place. Wiggle the cartridge and pull straight up. Replace the cartridge and make sure all the old orings are out. Put some lube on the new seals before sliding the cartridge in.

Make sure you turned the water off, and open the tap to drain it

tranquility · 10-05-2023, 07:25 PM

So that part I highlighted in red comes off for sure? I just need to put some muscle into it?

What lube do you suggest? The video I think refers to 'silicone grease' but I wonder is there something else or the hardware store will know what I'm talking about?

Tx everyone.

ToddBlack88 · 10-05-2023, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

So that part I highlighted in red comes off for sure? I just need to put some muscle into it?

What lube do you suggest? The video I think refers to 'silicone grease' but I wonder is there something else or the hardware store will know what I'm talking about?

Tx everyone.

The chrome top half circle thing? Yes..
usually it corrodes in with the water, cleaners, and soap mixture.
removing that will give you access to the cartridge nut.

You can see the threads on the outer part of the brass body in the still start of your video posted

Once you remove that, you can wiggle sthe spout back and forth and lift it off the body and lube that up also. Be carefull as some of them have orings as well.

R BMW · 10-06-2023, 10:00 AM

They should have a plumbing grease that you use to lube it.
Also look to see if they have a puller as it won't wiggle much.

Like I said, sometimes starting new is easier and cheaper.

sygazelle · 10-09-2023, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iminhell1

Open the valve and try again. There can be a little suction and it can make them stubborn.
If you're replacing it, don't be afraid to get a little rough with it.....

Just to be clear, we are talking about faucets, correct?

00SH4WN · 10-10-2023, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToddBlack88

This.

You need to pull the chrome finishing ring off first. It’s threaded usually. Use a non marring strap wrench or wrap a rag around it and use a pipe wrench.

Thread it off. Then undo the brass nut that holds the cartridge in place. Wiggle the cartridge and pull straight up. Replace the cartridge and make sure all the old orings are out. Put some lube on the new seals before sliding the cartridge in.

Make sure you turned the water off, and open the tap to drain it

+1 to this...also, it may be difficult to come off if water has made it's way into that area over time. something to remove any limescale or calcification in it slightly (lime away, CLR, vinegar) should break it up so that it will come off a little easier.

Oldgixxer · 10-10-2023, 07:41 AM

Retired Master Plumber of 35yrs chiming in,trust me when I say just go buy a new one. They're cheap enough to throw out and go new. Unless it you have a Grohe,Toto or high end Kohler toss it

tranquility · 10-10-2023, 07:00 PM

How much will a whole faucet cost and rn I can't even get that ring off, so I dunno if I can do that other job LOL.

Oldgixxer · 10-11-2023, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

How much will a whole faucet cost and rn I can't even get that ring off, so I dunno if I can do that other job LOL.

That round piece should come right off if you use a pair of Model 442 12" curved-jaw Channel-Locks. Don't worry about the teeth chewing up the finish,you'll be throwing it out anyways.

Alternatively:
If you're not ham-fisted you could use a Sawzall and cut the base of the faucet right off without damaging the lavatory,the rest will fall under the lav
Have tools,will travel... however my hourly rate from South Carolina to Canada may not appeal to you

You could get a very nice Kohler single hole faucet for $200-300 from a plumbing supply house or go to Lowes/Home Depot and get a decent Moen or American Standard for half that price.

PM me if you have specific questions

CTinline-six · 10-11-2023, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R BMW

Some times you just have to bite the bullet and replace it all. It's a shame as it has replaceable parts, just can't get them apart to replace them.

This.

I'll always try to fix things because I like the challenge, but there comes a point where I get frustrated and just break out the torch, sawzall, sledge hammer, etc, and replace the whole thing.

tranquility · 10-12-2023, 03:11 PM

Tx again guys. I tried using the rubber jar opener thing, more muscle, etc, wouldn't budge...I suspect it may be one piece after all? If that's the case, how can I remove the whole thing?

Or, would it make sense to still buy some plumber's grease and a syringe and just squeeze into all the gaps so that it somehow reaches inside the cartridge? (That's probably the best case scenario, and the worst case is hiring a plumber and replacing the whole darn thing for $xxx.)

vreihen16 · 10-12-2023, 09:33 PM

Last winter, my wife and the plumber-in-laws were struggling to remove a drain from our well-aged stainless kitchen sink. They spent two hours trying to get the nut off with no success. I suggested that they go out to the big-box store and buy a new sink, but they were stubborn.

TL;DR I took a 4" hole saw while they were out in the garage looking for other tools to try, stuck the drill bit into the center of the strainer hole, and, well, let's just say that they could take the stuck drain nut and a nice round piece of the sink bottom out to the vice where it was easier to work on it.

The sink was at least 20 years old and slumlord grade, not anything special.....

Oldgixxer · 10-13-2023, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vreihen16

Last winter, my wife and the plumber-in-laws were struggling to remove a drain from our well-aged stainless kitchen sink. They spent two hours trying to get the nut off with no success. I suggested that they go out to the big-box store and buy a new sink, but they were stubborn.

TL;DR I took a 4" hole saw while they were out in the garage looking for other tools to try, stuck the drill bit into the center of the strainer hole, and, well, let's just say that they could take the stuck drain nut and a nice round piece of the sink bottom out to the vice where it was easier to work on it.

The sink was at least 20 years old and slumlord grade, not anything special.....

Love it

tranquility · 12-08-2023, 04:30 AM

Ok guys, for anyone who was interested itt and also for any future diyers: I'm proud to say that I fixed the darn thing and it only cost me CAD11 in silicone lubricant.

The red thing I highlighted in the OP suddenly came loose, so once I unscrewed it, the brass nut was exposed, so I wrenched it off after turning off the water. The cartridge came out easily, and I disassembled it, put the lube wherever and put it back together. Not sure about/how some of you guys destroyed your faucets doing this same process lol, maybe I'm just more delicate.

Anyway, tx everyone for your pointers.

Watching The World Burn · 12-08-2023, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

Ok guys, for anyone who was interested itt and also for any future diyers: I'm proud to say that I fixed the darn thing and it only cost me CAD11 in silicone lubricant.

The red thing I highlighted in the OP suddenly came loose, so once I unscrewed it, the brass nut was exposed, so I wrenched it off after turning off the water. The cartridge came out easily, and I disassembled it, put the lube wherever and put it back together. Not sure about/how some of you guys destroyed your faucets doing this same process lol, maybe I'm just more delicate.

Anyway, tx everyone for your pointers.

ITT I learned that Tranquility is a delicate person. [/Thread]

10-05-2023, 03:43 PM	#1
tranquility sportscars only 3460 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	Stupid tight bathroom faucet I'm trying to diy this lousy faucet that is stuck (well, tight, as if the rubber isn't moving smoothly inside the cartridge). I tried taking off the top but the ring marked in red is stuck or is one piece w the stem...so how the heck can I fit a wrench in there to loosen the nut and take out the cartridge? There must be something I'm missing. I tried to follow this YT diy video but I'm stuck (no pun intended lol). Please help. Tia. Attached Images __________________ The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons and what I do, stock and real estate speculation...It's bullsh*t. I create nothing. I own. We make the rules, pal...Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you buddy?
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10-05-2023, 04:44 PM	#2
3.0L Colonel 10725 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW M235i, 2024 GLC300 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Socket wrench? Attached Images __________________ 2014 BMW M235i 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Expert ultracrepidarian
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10-05-2023, 05:16 PM	#3
iminhell1 C2H5OH 4011 Rep 2,150 Posts Drives: 2010 SG 135i auto Join Date: May 2015 Location: Darwin, MN iTrader: (1)	Open the valve and try again. There can be a little suction and it can make them stubborn. If you're replacing it, don't be afraid to get a little rough with it. That beauty ring at the top, use an old rubber jar opener and a pipe wrench. It'll come off without marring it.
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10-05-2023, 05:19 PM	#4
Marmugmotleocay Captain 1745 Rep 920 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X3M Competition Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: York, PA iTrader: (2)	I tried to replace a Moen cartridge with no luck with the plastic nut. You would think it would be simple. I wound up destroying it and just buying another faucet.
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10-05-2023, 05:37 PM	#5
3.0L Colonel 10725 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW M235i, 2024 GLC300 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California iTrader: (0)	It appears that there is a nut surrounding the green area, so maybe the correct size socket wrench would help. It should fit inside the ring. __________________ 2014 BMW M235i 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC300 Expert ultracrepidarian
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10-05-2023, 05:57 PM	#6
R BMW Second Lieutenant 957 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 2014 328Xi GT, 2020 X3 MC Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW X3 M Comp [0.00] 2014 328Xi GT [10.00]	Some times you just have to bite the bullet and replace it all. It's a shame as it has replaceable parts, just can't get them apart to replace them.
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10-05-2023, 05:58 PM	#7
Maynard Colonel 4183 Rep 2,945 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	Many of these use a specialized tool to fit inside and turn threaded parts, or something kind of like a bearing puller that screws into the threaded hole in center of the square stem. If you know the brand, find more (or better) videos.
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10-05-2023, 07:25 PM	#9
tranquility sportscars only 3460 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	So that part I highlighted in red comes off for sure? I just need to put some muscle into it? What lube do you suggest? The video I think refers to 'silicone grease' but I wonder is there something else or the hardware store will know what I'm talking about? Tx everyone. __________________ The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons and what I do, stock and real estate speculation...It's bullsh*t. I create nothing. I own. We make the rules, pal...Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you buddy?
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10-06-2023, 10:00 AM	#11
R BMW Second Lieutenant 957 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 2014 328Xi GT, 2020 X3 MC Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW X3 M Comp [0.00] 2014 328Xi GT [10.00]	They should have a plumbing grease that you use to lube it. Also look to see if they have a puller as it won't wiggle much. Like I said, sometimes starting new is easier and cheaper.
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10-10-2023, 07:41 AM	#14
Oldgixxer Captain 2086 Rep 848 Posts Drives: nothing fast Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: The Lowcountry,SC iTrader: (0)	Retired Master Plumber of 35yrs chiming in,trust me when I say just go buy a new one. They're cheap enough to throw out and go new. Unless it you have a Grohe,Toto or high end Kohler toss it __________________ -'24 X5MC,'22 430i -'09 Busa,'05 GSXR-1K(GT28R turbo)'00 Busa(GT3582) Gone but not forgotten: -'22 X3MC,'20 M550i,'18 X2,F30 328xi,'07 E63 AMG (1st W211 63 in the 11s),997 C4S Cab,CLS55 AMG,E55 AMG,C55AMG
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10-10-2023, 07:00 PM	#15
tranquility sportscars only 3460 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	How much will a whole faucet cost and rn I can't even get that ring off, so I dunno if I can do that other job LOL.
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10-12-2023, 03:11 PM	#18
tranquility sportscars only 3460 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	Tx again guys. I tried using the rubber jar opener thing, more muscle, etc, wouldn't budge...I suspect it may be one piece after all? If that's the case, how can I remove the whole thing? Or, would it make sense to still buy some plumber's grease and a syringe and just squeeze into all the gaps so that it somehow reaches inside the cartridge? (That's probably the best case scenario, and the worst case is hiring a plumber and replacing the whole darn thing for $xxx.) __________________ The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons and what I do, stock and real estate speculation...It's bullsh*t. I create nothing. I own. We make the rules, pal...Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you buddy?
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10-12-2023, 09:33 PM	#19
vreihen16 Recovering Perfectionist 20311 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: BMW-less :( Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Orange County, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Mighty Freight ... [0.00] 2000 Audi TT Quattro [0.00] 1967 Formula Vee [0.00]	Last winter, my wife and the plumber-in-laws were struggling to remove a drain from our well-aged stainless kitchen sink. They spent two hours trying to get the nut off with no success. I suggested that they go out to the big-box store and buy a new sink, but they were stubborn. TL;DR I took a 4" hole saw while they were out in the garage looking for other tools to try, stuck the drill bit into the center of the strainer hole, and, well, let's just say that they could take the stuck drain nut and a nice round piece of the sink bottom out to the vice where it was easier to work on it. The sink was at least 20 years old and slumlord grade, not anything special..... __________________ Currently BMW-less.
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12-08-2023, 04:30 AM	#21
tranquility sportscars only 3460 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	Ok guys, for anyone who was interested itt and also for any future diyers: I'm proud to say that I fixed the darn thing and it only cost me CAD11 in silicone lubricant. The red thing I highlighted in the OP suddenly came loose, so once I unscrewed it, the brass nut was exposed, so I wrenched it off after turning off the water. The cartridge came out easily, and I disassembled it, put the lube wherever and put it back together. Not sure about/how some of you guys destroyed your faucets doing this same process lol, maybe I'm just more delicate. Anyway, tx everyone for your pointers. __________________ The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons and what I do, stock and real estate speculation...It's bullsh*t. I create nothing. I own. We make the rules, pal...Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you buddy?
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